Ayurvedic Secrets for Wellness: Ancient Solutions for Modern Stress

Stress is a big part of today’s modern society. While many advanced countries have modern medicine and techniques to manage it, there is also a movement that looks to the past for solutions to our current health problems and to help us improve our daily lives.

For example, in lieu of, of in addition to, prescription medication for certain health ailments, some people prefer more holistic or natural health remedies. One of these is Ayurveda, also referred to as Ayurvedic medicine or techniques. If you are seeking balance in your life or would like to achieve a more holistic approach to health, you may be interested in ayurvedic secrets for wellness.

This article will share some ancient solutions for modern stress to help you achieve balance and improved quality of life. Read on to unlock these secrets of the past that can help shape the future of your health.

What is Ayurvedic medicine?

The Johns Hopkins Medicine website defines Ayurveda as a “natural system of medicine” that originated in India more than 3,000 years ago. Derived from the Sanskrit words ayur, meaning life, and veda, meaning science or knowledge, Ayurveda translates to “knowledge of life.”

According to the article, “Based on the idea that disease is due to an imbalance or stress in a person’s consciousness, Ayurveda encourages certain lifestyle interventions and natural therapies to regain a balance between the body, mind, spirit, and the environment.”

What are the basic concepts of Ayurveda?

The Mount Sinai website states that Ayurvedic treatments focus on rebalancing the doshas, which are the three basic energy types present in every individual. According to Ayurvedic beliefs, everyone has a unique pattern of energy as well as an individual combination of physical, mental, and emotional characteristics.

These energies are defined on the site as such:

· Vata—Energy that controls bodily functions associated with motion, including blood circulation, breathing, blinking, and heartbeat. When vata energy is balanced, there is creativity and vitality. Out of balance, vata produces fear and anxiety.

· Pitta—Energy that controls the body’s metabolic systems, including digestion, absorption, nutrition, and temperature. In balance, pitta leads to contentment and intelligence. Out of balance, pitta can cause ulcers and arouse anger.

· Kapha—Energy that controls growth in the body. It supplies water to all body parts, moisturizes the skin, and maintains the immune system. In balance, kapha is expressed as love and forgiveness. Out of balance, kapha leads to insecurity and envy.

While everyone has all three energies, generally only one or two are dominant. Factors that can disturb your energy balance, and therefore your health, can include stress, an unhealthy diet, and the weather as well as “strained family relationships.” Mount Sinai states that these disturbances can show up in the form of diseases.

What are some Ayurvedic treatments and techniques?

John Hopkins Medicine states, “Ayurveda treatment starts with an internal purification process, followed by a special diet, herbal remedies, massage therapy, yoga, and meditation.” The goal of Ayurveda is to offer treatment that can help you eliminate impurities, reduce symptoms, increase disease resistance, reduce worry, and increase harmony in life. Furthermore, the article states: “Herbs and other plants, including oils and common spices, are used extensively in Ayurvedic treatment.”

According to Mount Sinai, to help you rebalance your doshas, an Ayurvedic practitioner will perform an examination including asking questions about your medical history, checking your pulse, feeling your abdomen, and checking your tongue, eyes, nails, and skin. You may be asked questions about your general health including detailed information about your lifestyle, diet, habits, and surroundings. Treatment will include methods to restore your body’s natural dosha balance. Lifestyle changes, particularly diet, are usually recommended.

Other treatments include:

•Breathing exercises

•Rubbing the skin with herbal oil for increased blood circulation and to withdraw toxins from your body

•Using mantras and practicing meditation

•Practicing yoga

•Cleansing your body through techniques such as sweating

•Prescribing herbal medicines

How can stress impact my health?

Ayurveda is commonly used to combat stress, which is a leading ailment in America, and countries around the world. According to an article on Forbes.com titled, “Stress Statistics And Facts In 2024”, “if not properly managed, chronic stress can have a negative impact on both physical and mental health, and can ultimately increase the risk of developing serious health conditions, such as depression and stroke.”

The article referenced Gallup survey data from adults in 122 countries, stating “41% of adults worldwide report experiencing a lot of stress” as well as American Psychological Association data that states, “Around 34% of adults report feeling that stress is completely overwhelming for them on most days.”

The Mayo Clinic states that stress can affect your health, including your body, your mood, and your behaviors, in the following ways:

•Headaches

•Muscle tension or pain

•Chest pain

•Sleep problems

•Anxiety

•Sadness and depression

•Overeating or undereating

•Misusing drugs or alcohol

•Avoiding friends

•Exercising less often

The organization goes on to state easy ways to manage stress, many of which are in line with Ayurveda treatments, such as:

•Getting regular physical activity on most days of the week

•Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, tai chi, or massage

•Spending time with friends and family

•Getting adequate sleep

•Eating a healthy, balanced diet

•Avoiding tobacco and alcohol use

•Asking for help when you need it

•Seeking the advice of a counselor or therapist

How can Ayurveda improve my well-being?

Relieving stress through Ayurveda, in addition to other treatments prescribed by an Ayurvedic practitioner, may help restore the balance of your doshas. You may find the treatments and techniques that were used as ancient solutions may help you manage modern stress.

Engaging in activities that reduce your stress can improve your mood, restore calmness in your mind, provide mental clarity, help you sleep more restfully, and make managing the tasks of everyday life feel less overwhelming.

How can I incorporate Ayurvedic practices into my life?

Hydrotherapy, such as soaking in a hot tub, is an excellent Ayurvedic practice that has been used by cultures in ancient Greece, Rome, and India for thousands of years. According to Aarogyamantra Integrated Healing in India, Ayurvedic hydrotherapy can relieve stress and tension, soothe sore muscles and joints, improve circulation and blood flow, and enhance skin health and hydration. The site states hot water is chosen for pain relieving and soothing properties while cold water, such as cold plunge, is selected to reduce inflammation. The site states alternating hot and cold water can stimulate the circulatory system and improve vitality.

Hydrotherapy can also induce sweating, which is one of the traditional Ayurvedic techniques. Jacuzzi® Hot Tubs can provide you with a comfortable, relaxing environment in which you can enjoy unparalleled hydrotherapy with the finest massage jets available.

Sweating can also be achieved through another ancient solution—sauna. The traditional use of Ayurvedic steam baths can help you naturally balance your doshas and promote your body’s energy flow, according to Saatwika Ayurveda in India. Saunas and steam baths, which are also referred to as steam rooms, promote relaxation, but their heating sources, as well as their moisture levels, differ. A sauna uses dry heat, while steam rooms use moist heat from boiling water. Jacuzzi® Infrared Saunas allow you to experience the incredible benefits of dry heat in the comfort of your own home.

Another important Ayurvedic secret for wellness is maintaining a balanced diet. An article on the Cleveland Clinic website references the adage “food is medicine” when discussing the principles of an Ayurvedic diet. The organization states, “The Ayurvedic diet is similar to the Mediterranean diet, in that it focuses on non-processed foods and includes fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.”

The article also notes the Ayurvedic diet emphasizes spices such as coriander, cumin, ginger, turmeric and cinnamon, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Incorporating these types of foods, herbs, and spices into your everyday diet and focusing less on processed and fried foods are additional Ayurvedic secrets to help you manage stress.

Yoga is not only an ancient solution for modern stress, it is also a traditional Ayurvedic practice. Online tutorials and videos can guide you through various yoga poses and techniques. You may enjoy attending yoga classes with a friend as a way to manage stress while also getting regular exercise and socialization.

Meditation is another Ayurvedic secret that is key to unlocking stress relief. You can incorporate mantras into your meditation practice for a double dose of ancient stress management techniques. Dedicate a few minutes each day to practicing meditation and mantras.

Another key to stress relief is getting adequate sleep. Many sources tout the benefits of shutting down technology—from televisions to smartphones—a few hours before bedtime to help achieve more restful sleep. You might enjoy a routine of soaking in your hot tub and enjoying 20 to 30 minutes of hydromassage to help you unwind beefore going to sleep. You may also find another habit, such as reading a book or sipping warm tea, can help your body begin to naturally relax before you tuck in at night.

If you are interested in experiencing the benefits of Ayurvedic therapies such as hydrotherapy in a hot tub or sweating in a sauna, a visit to your authorized Jacuzzi® dealer is a great way to explore the range of incredible wellness products the brand has to offer.

Medical disclaimer: This information is not intended to prescribe a particular diagnosis or course of action. We are not medical professionals. Please contact your GP or other medical professional for advice if you have any concerns about your current health or well-being.